After a tough loss to the Chiefs, one of the Falcons goals this week is to start fast against the Rams. That's exactly what Atlanta did in our latest Madden 17 simulation, as a 17-3 first-half lead propelled Dan Quinn's club to a 28-3 win over Los Angeles.
The Falcons averaged 9.4 yards per play, while the Rams, who made just two trips to the red zone, netted 5.5 yards per snap.
Devonta Freeman is the biggest reason why Atlanta produced at such an impressive rate. The 2015 Pro Bowler broke the scoreless tie in the first quarter with a one-yard touchdown, then, in the second frame, exploded for a 98-yard TD run, which was more than twice as many rushing yards as the Rams had all game (46).
After an LA field goal, Freeman found the end zone again – this time by taking a Matt Ryan pass 37 yards to the house. Julio Jones reeled in a 34-yard TD in the third, and Atlanta's defense – which allowed 251 yards from scrimmage and, thanks to a Brian Poole interception, forced a key turnover – kept the Rams in check.
Top Falcons Performers
Devonta Freeman: 17 touches, 186 yards from scrimmage, 3 TDs
Julio Jones: 3 catches, 64 receiving yards, 1 TD
Deion Jones: 7 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack
Tyson Jackson: 1 sack
Brian Poole: 1 INT
Plays of the Game
Freeman sprints 98 yards for the touchdown.
#Madden17 Simulation: Devonta goes all the way pic.twitter.com/e2HU7jLb3d — Andrew Hirsh (@andrewhirsh) December 7, 2016
Poole picks off Goff with a leaping catch.
#Madden17 Simulation: Poole's interception, Matrix style pic.twitter.com/9R5jgafnln — Andrew Hirsh (@andrewhirsh) December 7, 2016
Jones eludes a group of Rams defenders to score.
#Madden17 Simulation: No one can tackle Julio pic.twitter.com/XjtvfFeXEN — Andrew Hirsh (@andrewhirsh) December 7, 2016
Tyson Jackson levels Jared Goff for one of Atlanta's two sacks on the day.
#Madden17 Simulation: Jackson takes down Goff pic.twitter.com/f92LgZwW2i — Andrew Hirsh (@andrewhirsh) December 7, 2016
